As the construction industry continues to face a labor shortage, contractors are focusing their efforts on recruiting young people, according to Construction Dive.

A report from Handshake, a career-finding platform focused on college students, appears to show some of those efforts are working. Applications to architecture, drafting and construction management positions rose by more than 40% on Handshake during the past year. The report claims that as major tech firms lay off workers, current computer science and related majors are shifting to construction to start their careers. The number of applications from computer science and data science majors to construction reportedly doubled during the past year.

Additionally, construction employers increased outreach to students by 46% during the past year.

Construction’s well-paying, stable jobs are attracting young people, and experts say those with diverse academic experiences outside of construction can be an asset to the industry.

“We’re seeing an increased need for different backgrounds on projects,” said Matt Rosentreter, talent generation manager at architecture and construction firm Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Mo. “Finance, business analytics, virtual design and even computer science continue to add new perspectives and ideas, creating opportunities on projects and in the industry as a whole.”

Rosentreter said Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) can bring innate technology skills to the industry while experienced construction professionals approaching retirement can pass on crucial building knowledge to the younger generation.

Original Information Resource:

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